Asia's property market is sending mixed signals. While countries like India and Japan continue to post record demand and rising investments,markets such as Hong Kong and Mainland China are still grappling with weaker fundamentals. But beneath those headline numbers lies a deeper story -one of widening gaps between cities, sectors and even buildings. Here's a closer look.

Asia's property boom hides a growing divide | World Business Watch | Wion News 

 China has just posted its highest-ever oil and gas production. But even as Beijing celebrates record output, it is warning that the country's energy future is becoming far more difficult. Depleting oilfields, rising extraction costs and growing geopolitical risks are forcing China to rethink how it secures its energy supplies.

China's Energy Warning After Record Output | World Business Watch | Wion News 

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul added a musical touch to diplomacy during his official visit to Beijing by performing a classic song for Chinese Premier Li Qiang at a formal state lunch. The performance, accompanied by piano, received warm applause from guests and highlighted the Thai leader’s unique approach to cultural diplomacy. The moment follows several of his musical appearances during official visits across Asia, where he has combined music with international engagement.


Thai Prime Minister sings classic song for Chinese Premier Li Qiang during Beijing state lunch

China is planning a huge asteroid strike mission where it will crash a spacecraft into a small space rock at 26 times the speed of light. The mission aims to deflect the asteroid from its trajectory and even break it apart entirely, SCMP reported. The planetary defence mission goes way beyond what NASA did with DART in many ways. The American space agency altered the orbit of the asteroid moonlet around the main rock, and later analysis showed that its shape had changed. But China wants to see if it can shatter its composition.&nbsp;The mission is being led by Li Mingtao, chief scientist of planetary defence at the China National Space Administration (CNSA). The target is Asteroid 2015 XF261, which has not been studied much. Compared to asteroid moonlet Dimorphos, which was a 525-foot rubble-pile space rock, asteroid 2015 XF261 measures only about 98 feet and is believed to be a stronger, more solid body. The intercept will happen when it comes roughly 7 million kilometres near Earth around 2029 or 2030.&nbsp;The plan is to strike the asteroid at an astonishing speed of 9 kilometres per second, equivalent to Mach 26 at sea level. In comparison, NASA's DART impact had a velocity of 6.1 km/s. The higher speed would deliver a more powerful impact because kinetic energy increases exponentially with velocity. Scientists think that this could cause the asteroid to completely come apart.<h2>China will launch the observing spacecraft on the same rocket</h2>China also plans to observe the affected asteroid differently from NASA. The same rocket will carry two spacecraft - the impactor and the observer. Once launched, both of them will go their separate ways. One will go towards the asteroid, and a second spacecraft will observe the asteroid before, during and after the collision. It will see how its orbit, shape and surface change after the impact. This spacecraft will use Venus gravity assist to observe the effects. In contrast, the European Space Agency launched the Hera mission separately to observe the changes in Dimorphos&nbsp;The mission overall has four targets - an accurate hit, successfully changing its orbit, precisely measuring the impact results, and confirming that Earth remains safe after the test. &nbsp;

China could soon outrival NASA in planetary defence and asteroid strike. Its new mission aims to slam an asteroid at a speed of Mach 26, much higher than the DART mission, and even break apart a small asteroid completely.  

China is planning a huge asteroid strike mission where it will crash a spacecraft into a small space rock at 26 times the speed of light. The mission aims to deflect the asteroid from its trajectory and even break it apart entirely, SCMP reported. The planetary defence mission goes way beyond what NASA did with DART in many ways. The American space agency altered the orbit of the asteroid moonlet around the main rock, and later analysis showed that its shape had changed. But China wants to see if it can shatter its composition. The mission is being led by Li Mingtao, chief scientist of planetary defence at the China National Space Administration (CNSA). The target is Asteroid 2015 XF261, which has not been studied much. Compared to asteroid moonlet Dimorphos, which was a 525-foot rubble-pile space rock, asteroid 2015 XF261 measures only about 98 feet and is believed to be a stronger, more solid body. The intercept will happen when it comes roughly 7 million kilometres near Earth around 2029 or 2030. The plan is to strike the asteroid at an astonishing speed of 9 kilometres per second, equivalent to Mach 26 at sea level. In comparison, NASA's DART impact had a velocity of 6.1 km/s. The higher speed would deliver a more powerful impact because kinetic energy increases exponentially with velocity. Scientists think that this could cause the asteroid to completely come apart. China will launch the observing spacecraft on the same rocket China also plans to observe the affected asteroid differently from NASA. The same rocket will carry two spacecraft - the impactor and the observer. Once launched, both of them will go their separate ways. One will go towards the asteroid, and a second spacecraft will observe the asteroid before, during and after the collision. It will see how its orbit, shape and surface change after the impact. This spacecraft will use Venus gravity assist to observe the effects. In contrast, the European Space Agency launched the Hera mission separately to observe the changes in Dimorphos The mission overall has four targets - an accurate hit, successfully changing its orbit, precisely measuring the impact results, and confirming that Earth remains safe after the test.

China could soon outrival NASA in planetary defence and asteroid strike. Its new mission aims to slam an asteroid at a speed of Mach 26, much higher than the DART mission, and even break apart a small asteroid completely. &nbsp;

China to whack asteroid at 26 times the speed of sound. Here's how the mission outrivals NASA's DART

China's proposed export restrictions on rare earth minerals could put $6.5 trillion worth of global downstream production at risk if fully implemented. This is according to the International Energy Agency's latest global critical minerals outlook.

IEA warns: China's export controls put $6.5 trillion at risk | World Business Watch  

Donald Trump claimed that newly declassified intelligence reveals China compromised millions of U.S. voter records and exposed vulnerabilities in America's election infrastructure. The announcement comes as the U.S. launches a sixth consecutive night of strikes on Iranian military targets, while tensions continue to rise across West Asia. CENTCOM also intensified maritime operations near Iran as Ukraine reported deadly Russian missile strikes on Odesa. Meanwhile, North Korea pledged stronger ties with China, SpaceX aborted its latest Starship launch seconds before liftoff, and Japan's stock market plunged amid growing concerns over the AI sector.

Stay tuned for the latest international developments, geopolitical updates, defence news, breaking headlines, and global affairs.

Trump claims China hacked U.S. election data | U.S. strikes Iran again | Starship launch aborted 

China has built a full-scale replica of a US Navy destroyer in the middle of the Taklamakan Desert to test a kill chain - whether surveillance, tracking, and strike systems can operate together to attack a US naval platform equipped with advanced sensors and defensive capabilities. Satellite images shared by US company Vantor show a model resembling an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer in Xinjiang. Joseph Wu, co-founder of the Taiwan Defense Studies Initiative, was the first to identify the replica, according to a Bloomberg report from June 2026.&nbsp;The replica has the exact dimensions as the actual warship. Such mock-ups of naval vessels have been created previously as well, but were limited to just the outline. But they have moved further, adding radar-related features and launch-position markings. Chinese analysts argue that this is important since modern vessels have advanced sensors, electronic warfare capabilities, and layered defences. Compared to the larger aircraft carrier replicas China made before, a destroyer is challenging since it is smaller in size and has different mobility, along with advanced defensive systems.<h2>Features of US warship replica</h2>The track system allows China to simulate a vessel on the move at sea and see how they fare against it. It goes beyond just movement, with some reports suggesting that it also has radar-reflective and electromagnetic features to replicate the exact conditions at sea, allowing for a near-real environment to test missile seekers and targeting systems.&nbsp;Choosing an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer shows the extent of tests China is undertaking. The vessel is a particularly tough target because it provides air and missile defence as well as anti-submarine warfare capabilities, making it a crucial part of the US Navy’s carrier strike groups. The aim is not to destroy the warship, but to reduce its ability by disabling the SPY radar, vertical launch systems, or fire-control capabilities. The replica provides an opportunity to practise reconnaissance and tracking.

In the middle of the Taklamakan Desert in China, lies a replica of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer. Beijing is using it to test its surveillance, detection and strike systems. 

China has built a full-scale replica of a US Navy destroyer in the middle of the Taklamakan Desert to test a kill chain - whether surveillance, tracking, and strike systems can operate together to attack a US naval platform equipped with advanced sensors and defensive capabilities. Satellite images shared by US company Vantor show a model resembling an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer in Xinjiang. Joseph Wu, co-founder of the Taiwan Defense Studies Initiative, was the first to identify the replica, according to a Bloomberg report from June 2026. The replica has the exact dimensions as the actual warship. Such mock-ups of naval vessels have been created previously as well, but were limited to just the outline. But they have moved further, adding radar-related features and launch-position markings. Chinese analysts argue that this is important since modern vessels have advanced sensors, electronic warfare capabilities, and layered defences. Compared to the larger aircraft carrier replicas China made before, a destroyer is challenging since it is smaller in size and has different mobility, along with advanced defensive systems. Features of US warship replica The track system allows China to simulate a vessel on the move at sea and see how they fare against it. It goes beyond just movement, with some reports suggesting that it also has radar-reflective and electromagnetic features to replicate the exact conditions at sea, allowing for a near-real environment to test missile seekers and targeting systems. Choosing an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer shows the extent of tests China is undertaking. The vessel is a particularly tough target because it provides air and missile defence as well as anti-submarine warfare capabilities, making it a crucial part of the US Navy’s carrier strike groups. The aim is not to destroy the warship, but to reduce its ability by disabling the SPY radar, vertical launch systems, or fire-control capabilities. The replica provides an opportunity to practise reconnaissance and tracking.

In the middle of the Taklamakan Desert in China, lies a replica of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer. Beijing is using it to test its surveillance, detection and strike systems.&nbsp;

Why has China made an exact replica of US warship in the middle of Taklamakan desert?

After Kosovo 1999, China launched a counter-stealth programme targeting the B-2. VHF radar, passive detection, HQ-9B missiles. Here is what they built and the honest assessment of whether it works.

From the moment the B-2 Spirit flew its first combat mission over Kosovo in 1999, China identified it as the primary airborne threat to its strategic interests and began building countermeasures.&nbsp;

China has spent 20 years building weapons specifically to kill B-2 bomber! Here is what they built and how well it works

China’s fiscal engine is sputtering, and Beijing’s own numbers show why. The country’s long-standing revenue model is coming under pressure, as the pillars that once powered government finances begin to weaken. Two years ago, the Chinese government pulled in 21.7 trillion yuan, or about $3.2 trillion. Nearly 40% of that came from value-added tax alone, with corporate and individual income taxes adding another 32%. But the latest data tells a starker story. China’s fiscal revenue fell 1.7% in 2025 from a year earlier, marking the first contraction since 2020. That comes as a protracted property slump and weak domestic demand have saddled the economy. Fiscal revenues in 2025 totalled 21.6 trillion yuan, barely changed from 2023’s headline figure despite years of nominal growth targets. The real hit for China has come from land. For decades, Beijing ran a simple formula: sell land and fund the government. In 2021, land sales alone generated 8.7 trillion yuan, or nearly $1.3 trillion. But by 2025, that figure had crashed to just 4.15 trillion yuan, a fall of more than 50%.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-nuclear-fuel-company-counters-barc-s-safety-concerns-over-thorium-fuel-for-reactors-more-details-inside-1784003959432">US nuclear fuel company counters BARC’s safety concerns over thorium fuel for reactors: More details inside</a> And the pain is not slowing. In just the first four months of 2026, government land sales revenue fell 27.2% year-on-year to 680 billion yuan. These figures do not just show a dip but a structural collapse of the mechanism that once funded roads, schools and local budgets. Elsewhere, the numbers offer limited relief. Tax revenue rose just 0.8% in 2025, while non-tax income slumped 11.3%.&nbsp; One bright spot was stamp tax revenue from securities transactions, which surged 57.8%, buoyed by a stock market rally. It is a reminder that Beijing is now leaning on capital markets to plug holes left by real estate. Spending, however, has not slowed to match. Government expenditures grew one per cent to 28.7 trillion yuan, widening the gap between what Beijing collects and what it spends. Growth held at the targeted 5%, but economists warn that it is propped up by exports rather than consumption. The broader picture is becoming clear. China’s revenue model, built on land and investment, is running out of road. And for now, there is no clean replacement in sight.

For decades, Beijing ran a simple formula: sell land and fund the government. In 2021, land sales alone generated 8.7 trillion yuan, or nearly $1.3 trillion. But by 2025, that figure had crashed to just 4.15 trillion yuan, a fall of more than 50%.

China’s fiscal engine is sputtering, and Beijing’s own numbers show why. The country’s long-standing revenue model is coming under pressure, as the pillars that once powered government finances begin to weaken. Two years ago, the Chinese government pulled in 21.7 trillion yuan, or about $3.2 trillion. Nearly 40% of that came from value-added tax alone, with corporate and individual income taxes adding another 32%. But the latest data tells a starker story. China’s fiscal revenue fell 1.7% in 2025 from a year earlier, marking the first contraction since 2020. That comes as a protracted property slump and weak domestic demand have saddled the economy. Fiscal revenues in 2025 totalled 21.6 trillion yuan, barely changed from 2023’s headline figure despite years of nominal growth targets. The real hit for China has come from land. For decades, Beijing ran a simple formula: sell land and fund the government. In 2021, land sales alone generated 8.7 trillion yuan, or nearly $1.3 trillion. But by 2025, that figure had crashed to just 4.15 trillion yuan, a fall of more than 50%. Also read: US nuclear fuel company counters BARC’s safety concerns over thorium fuel for reactors: More details inside And the pain is not slowing. In just the first four months of 2026, government land sales revenue fell 27.2% year-on-year to 680 billion yuan. These figures do not just show a dip but a structural collapse of the mechanism that once funded roads, schools and local budgets. Elsewhere, the numbers offer limited relief. Tax revenue rose just 0.8% in 2025, while non-tax income slumped 11.3%. One bright spot was stamp tax revenue from securities transactions, which surged 57.8%, buoyed by a stock market rally. It is a reminder that Beijing is now leaning on capital markets to plug holes left by real estate. Spending, however, has not slowed to match. Government expenditures grew one per cent to 28.7 trillion yuan, widening the gap between what Beijing collects and what it spends. Growth held at the targeted 5%, but economists warn that it is propped up by exports rather than consumption. The broader picture is becoming clear. China’s revenue model, built on land and investment, is running out of road. And for now, there is no clean replacement in sight.

For decades, Beijing ran a simple formula: sell land and fund the government. In 2021, land sales alone generated 8.7 trillion yuan, or nearly $1.3 trillion. But by 2025, that figure had crashed to just 4.15 trillion yuan, a fall of more than 50%.

China’s fiscal engine sputters as the land model cracks

A woman in China is garnering praise after her efforts to wake up her vegetative husband bore fruit. For nearly seven years, Zhao Jinqian could not move after suffering severe brain injuries and multiple fractures. However, his wife, Song Mei, 45, stimulated Zhao’s fingers and toes to aid nerve recovery by biting on them, which finally led him to wake up, SCMP reported. Song and Zhao lived a simple life, using their basic means to help others. Song gave free painting lessons to children of poor families, while Zhao sponsored a student from a remote mountain area using the money he earned working on construction sites.&nbsp;In October 2019, he fell six feet from a warehouse roof while trying to save a three-year-old. He held the kid in his arms and took the impact upon himself. Zhao suffered multiple injuries, and doctors didn't give him much chance of waking up. Song quit her job as a teacher and started selling paintings online to sustain the family. She massaged him, talked to him daily, sang to him, and barely slept for four hours every night. The man whose son Zhao had saved lived nearby and raised 45,000 yuan (US$6,600) for Zhao’s treatment.<h2>Song kept biting her husband's toes for years</h2>Following the doctor's advice to stimulate his nerves, Song accidentally bit his toe. She noticed a small response and decided to follow through with the same action. She covered his foot with a food bag and kept biting on it. Song did this for years and finally saw a change in her husband in 2024. He opened his eyes, even though he could not talk or move. She believed that the stimulation was working and kept at it.&nbsp;Her efforts have triggered small changes in Zhao. He can now raise his hand, stand up for some time and understand what is being said. On June 30, Song burst into laughter when Zhao said, “Song Mei, I love you.” He has been practising writing, but the only words he can pen are his wife's name. Zhao will undergo further treatment, although no details have been released. Song's dedication has made her a hero on social media, with people praising her efforts all these years.

A 45-year-old woman in China was able to wake up her vegetative husband after years of effort. She bit on the toes of her brain-dead husband to stimulate the nerves. He can now stand for a bit and can write only her name.

A woman in China is garnering praise after her efforts to wake up her vegetative husband bore fruit. For nearly seven years, Zhao Jinqian could not move after suffering severe brain injuries and multiple fractures. However, his wife, Song Mei, 45, stimulated Zhao’s fingers and toes to aid nerve recovery by biting on them, which finally led him to wake up, SCMP reported. Song and Zhao lived a simple life, using their basic means to help others. Song gave free painting lessons to children of poor families, while Zhao sponsored a student from a remote mountain area using the money he earned working on construction sites. In October 2019, he fell six feet from a warehouse roof while trying to save a three-year-old. He held the kid in his arms and took the impact upon himself. Zhao suffered multiple injuries, and doctors didn't give him much chance of waking up. Song quit her job as a teacher and started selling paintings online to sustain the family. She massaged him, talked to him daily, sang to him, and barely slept for four hours every night. The man whose son Zhao had saved lived nearby and raised 45,000 yuan (US$6,600) for Zhao’s treatment. Song kept biting her husband's toes for years Following the doctor's advice to stimulate his nerves, Song accidentally bit his toe. She noticed a small response and decided to follow through with the same action. She covered his foot with a food bag and kept biting on it. Song did this for years and finally saw a change in her husband in 2024. He opened his eyes, even though he could not talk or move. She believed that the stimulation was working and kept at it. Her efforts have triggered small changes in Zhao. He can now raise his hand, stand up for some time and understand what is being said. On June 30, Song burst into laughter when Zhao said, “Song Mei, I love you.” He has been practising writing, but the only words he can pen are his wife's name. Zhao will undergo further treatment, although no details have been released. Song's dedication has made her a hero on social media, with people praising her efforts all these years.

A 45-year-old woman in China was able to wake up her vegetative husband after years of effort. She bit on the toes of her brain-dead husband to stimulate the nerves. He can now stand for a bit and can write only her name.

Unresponsive for nearly 7 years, Chinese man wakes up after wife bites his toes

A tornado ripped through a high-rise building in China, sucking a man from his 12th-story apartment. The incident happened late Monday night in China’s Hubei province, where extremely powerful storms ravaged the region. Videos of the tornado are circulating on the internet, with people showing damage inside their homes. The 30-year-old man miraculously survived the raging tornado and is in the ICU. The tornado reached wind speeds of nearly 150 km per hour, almost the strength of hurricane-force winds.&nbsp;Not only was the man swept into the tornado, but his house was also almost ripped apart. Cabinets fell off the walls and the sofa was flung away. Even heavy vehicles could not withstand the strength of the tornado, which threw semi-trucks as far as 100 feet. The violent storm ravaged more than 4,800 homes in Hubei. Tornadoes in Hubei are extremely rare, although China does witness a few of them occasionally. The last time one was reported in Hubei was in 2021.<h2>Why did tornadoes hit Hubei?</h2>At least two tornadoes formed in the Hubei province. Citing the reason for them, meteorologists said that cold air from the north collided with warm air brought in by Typhoon Maysak in the south, resulting in the tornadoes. A video shows the strong winds lifting a woman into the air. Another piece of footage shows a man recording the tornado as it approaches him. He continues to film as things inside his home scatter around.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Tornado w Chinach podniosło kobietę w powietrze😱Co ona tam robiła w taką niepogodę?? Pokażcie to swoim niejadkom. <a href="https://t.co/5XAZXRCf7k">pic.twitter.com/5XAZXRCf7k</a>&mdash; Ekonomat (@ekonomat_pl) <a href="https://x.com/ekonomat_pl/status/2074774991892344982?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 8, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🇨🇳 A horrific tornado in China ripped a man out of his own apartment A deadly tornado tore through central China’s Hubei province with wind speeds reaching 260 km/h. At least 17 people were killed and more than 331 injured. In the city of Huanggang, the wind was so powerful… <a href="https://t.co/DBqlw6WjaD">pic.twitter.com/DBqlw6WjaD</a>&mdash; Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) <a href="https://x.com/visegrad24/status/2074867008911319240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 8, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Violent wedge tornado tonight in Huanggang, Hubei Procince, China. Two major city took a direct hit, already hearing 2 fatalities and hundreds injuries, more info coming <a href="https://t.co/5gqgggLTrB">pic.twitter.com/5gqgggLTrB</a>&mdash; Eric1101 (@Ericwang1101) <a href="https://x.com/Ericwang1101/status/2074143419996528717?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Typhoon Maysak and Super Typhoon Bavi</h2> The severe storm is the result of Typhoon Maysak that swept the southern Chinese province of Guangxi over the weekend. Hubei is hundreds of kilometres away from this region, but it has still faced thunderstorms and a tornado linked to the typhoon. According to state media, at least 17 people have died, hundreds are injured, and tens of thousands have been evacuated.<h2>Xi Jinping orders all-out rescue efforts</h2>President Xi Jinping has ordered "all-out" rescue and relief operations following the devastation. The eastern coast of the country is facing a threat from another storm, Super Typhoon Bavi, churning across the Pacific. It is expected to hit the coast later this week, as per forecasts. The extreme weather has been linked to climate change.&nbsp;

China has been ravaged by storms, following Typhoon Maysak that made landfall last week, with Super Typhoon Bavi on its way. A tornado ripped through the Hubei province, lifting a man from his 12th-story apartment. 

A tornado ripped through a high-rise building in China, sucking a man from his 12th-story apartment. The incident happened late Monday night in China’s Hubei province, where extremely powerful storms ravaged the region. Videos of the tornado are circulating on the internet, with people showing damage inside their homes. The 30-year-old man miraculously survived the raging tornado and is in the ICU. The tornado reached wind speeds of nearly 150 km per hour, almost the strength of hurricane-force winds. Not only was the man swept into the tornado, but his house was also almost ripped apart. Cabinets fell off the walls and the sofa was flung away. Even heavy vehicles could not withstand the strength of the tornado, which threw semi-trucks as far as 100 feet. The violent storm ravaged more than 4,800 homes in Hubei. Tornadoes in Hubei are extremely rare, although China does witness a few of them occasionally. The last time one was reported in Hubei was in 2021. Why did tornadoes hit Hubei? At least two tornadoes formed in the Hubei province. Citing the reason for them, meteorologists said that cold air from the north collided with warm air brought in by Typhoon Maysak in the south, resulting in the tornadoes. A video shows the strong winds lifting a woman into the air. Another piece of footage shows a man recording the tornado as it approaches him. He continues to film as things inside his home scatter around.

China has been ravaged by storms, following Typhoon Maysak that made landfall last week, with Super Typhoon Bavi on its way. A tornado ripped through the Hubei province, lifting a man from his 12th-story apartment.&nbsp;

China storms: Strong winds fling woman into air, tornado plucks man from high-rise building

China released an AI-generated ad to tell youth about the dangers of taking drugs. However, the gleaming video ended up making drug use look cool, after which it was pulled. The Hong Kong Correctional Services Department (CSD) released the ad on the occasion of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. It shows a music group called Obsession singing about the multiple ways drugs can help. The four members of the group represent a different substance. The one representing crystal meth says, "I’m Icy! Take a snort from me." The member called Coke says, “Cocaine goes down easily and beats the heat. It energises and keeps you clear-headed. Super dope!" &nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://x.com/hashtag/HongKong?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HongKong</a> 🇭🇰 L&#39;administration pénitentiaire a retiré en urgence une pub anti-drogue intitulée Obsession. Mettant en scène des stars de K-Pop créées par IA, nommées cannabis, l&#39;ice, cocaïne et étomidate. RT hkfp <a href="https://t.co/GadVlb77mJ">pic.twitter.com/GadVlb77mJ</a>&mdash; AsieNews (@AsiaNews_FR) <a href="https://x.com/AsiaNews_FR/status/2071449992351641844?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 29, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Sick old men and crawling bugs&nbsp;</h2>Weedy (for cannabis) and Little E (etomidate, known colloquially as space oil) are the other two members in the band. They also list the benefits of the drugs. As they continue to sing on stage, they turn into old men who appear shrivelled and sick, depicting that drugs are bad for you. The next shot shows an AI video of drugs and bottles all over the place, with bugs appearing to be a mix of cockroaches and scorpions crawling around. The four men are seen in a prison in a black-and-white visual, smiling like mental patients.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/dettol-ad-in-china-shows-not-a-virgin-man-seeking-untouched-wife-triggers-outrage-1782359089967">Dettol takes down controversial ad about 'toxic men' and gender double standards</a><h2>People complained that it made drugs appear fun</h2>The words “Drugs are extremely harmful and can ruin a life” appear below. The ad starts off in an extremely colourful and fashionable manner with the girls dressed in bright clothes looking pretty. It does not help that it lists the benefits of each drug. The actual message of drugs being bad for you comes much later. People filed online complaints against the ad, saying it made drugs look attractive and was actually seducing viewers into doing drugs. This led the Hong Kong CSD to remove the video.&nbsp;The agency later released another AI video which had a bold voice apparently saying, "Whether you take or sell drugs, you won’t go to jail." Hong Kong CSD removed the second video on June 27 and apologised. Reacting to the ad, one person on social media said, "After watching it, I want to try a few bites of each."&nbsp;

A Chinese ad intended to scare people away from doing drugs ended up becoming a promotional video for substance use. With beautiful girls listing the benefits of drugs while singing on stage, the ad did more harm than good.   

China released an AI-generated ad to tell youth about the dangers of taking drugs. However, the gleaming video ended up making drug use look cool, after which it was pulled. The Hong Kong Correctional Services Department (CSD) released the ad on the occasion of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. It shows a music group called Obsession singing about the multiple ways drugs can help. The four members of the group represent a different substance. The one representing crystal meth says, "I’m Icy! Take a snort from me." The member called Coke says, “Cocaine goes down easily and beats the heat. It energises and keeps you clear-headed. Super dope!"

A Chinese ad intended to scare people away from doing drugs ended up becoming a promotional video for substance use. With beautiful girls listing the benefits of drugs while singing on stage, the ad did more harm than good. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Anti-drug Chinese ad ends up 'seducing' people into doing drugs - 'I want to try a few bites'

A glass bridge at a famous tourist spot in China sustained a crack from an umbrella, triggering evacuations. The incident occurred at the Baoquan Cliff World Scenic Area, a national 5A-rated tourism destination in Henan province. A teenager carrying an umbrella poked the glass bridge with it, which caused a crack in the panel, a spokesperson said. 5A is the highest and most prestigious tourist rating in China. Tourists were immediately evacuated from the bridge, avoiding any untoward incident.&nbsp;&nbsp;The spokesperson added that the bridge is being repaired and that they have contacted the original glass provider for a replacement. The area around the cracked glass has been closed off, and visitors are still allowed to explore other parts of the bridge.<h2>Spokesperson says bridge remains safe</h2>Talking about the crack, the spokesperson said that the bridge is made up of triple-laminated safety glass, and the boy had only cracked the top layer of one panel. He stressed that the bridge remains safe for tourists and its overall load-bearing capacity is unaffected. The authorities said they will educate tourists about not poking the glass with sharp objects. Another official said that the glass panels conform to national standards.&nbsp;&nbsp;People on social media are now questioning the safety of the bridge and whether the quality was compromised. One user asked if an umbrella could crack the glass; could a person wearing high heels do the same? Another asked, &nbsp;“The national standard is merely a passing score. Such projects, which involve people’s safety, should adhere to a higher standard.”<h2>Glass bridges in China</h2>The glass platform was recognised as the world’s largest by Guinness World Records in 2023. It is a double-layer structure and is shaped like a cloud. Both layers have walkways spanning over 1,700 square metres in total. The bridge offers views of the natural cliffs of the Taihang Mountains, which comprise vertically sheer red sandstone walls. China has more than 2,000 glass bridges and viewing platforms. The Baoquan Cliff World Scenic Area was designated as a national 5A tourist attraction in 2024.&nbsp;

A boy carrying an umbrella hit the glass bridge with the sharp end, which created a crack. Officials say the glass panels conform to safety standards and the bridge remains safe to bear the weight of tourists. They also plan to educate people about not poking the glass. 

A glass bridge at a famous tourist spot in China sustained a crack from an umbrella, triggering evacuations. The incident occurred at the Baoquan Cliff World Scenic Area, a national 5A-rated tourism destination in Henan province. A teenager carrying an umbrella poked the glass bridge with it, which caused a crack in the panel, a spokesperson said. 5A is the highest and most prestigious tourist rating in China. Tourists were immediately evacuated from the bridge, avoiding any untoward incident. The spokesperson added that the bridge is being repaired and that they have contacted the original glass provider for a replacement. The area around the cracked glass has been closed off, and visitors are still allowed to explore other parts of the bridge. Spokesperson says bridge remains safe Talking about the crack, the spokesperson said that the bridge is made up of triple-laminated safety glass, and the boy had only cracked the top layer of one panel. He stressed that the bridge remains safe for tourists and its overall load-bearing capacity is unaffected. The authorities said they will educate tourists about not poking the glass with sharp objects. Another official said that the glass panels conform to national standards. People on social media are now questioning the safety of the bridge and whether the quality was compromised. One user asked if an umbrella could crack the glass; could a person wearing high heels do the same? Another asked, “The national standard is merely a passing score. Such projects, which involve people’s safety, should adhere to a higher standard.” Glass bridges in China The glass platform was recognised as the world’s largest by Guinness World Records in 2023. It is a double-layer structure and is shaped like a cloud. Both layers have walkways spanning over 1,700 square metres in total. The bridge offers views of the natural cliffs of the Taihang Mountains, which comprise vertically sheer red sandstone walls. China has more than 2,000 glass bridges and viewing platforms. The Baoquan Cliff World Scenic Area was designated as a national 5A tourist attraction in 2024.

A boy carrying an umbrella hit the glass bridge with the sharp end, which created a crack. Officials say the glass panels conform to safety standards and the bridge remains safe to bear the weight of tourists. They also plan to educate people about not poking the glass.&nbsp;

Glass bridge in China cracks after being poked with an umbrella, official says it is safe

Scientists in China have developed a new solar-powered desalination technology that can turn seawater into fresh water without electricity. Desalination has always been an energy-hungry process that turns salt water into fresh water, making it largely the preserve of rich nations with abundant fossil fuel reserves. Desalination usually requires a huge amount of energy and is often expensive. However, researchers have created a new material that uses sunlight more efficiently, making the process much cheaper. The researchers have designed a specialised method to weave nanoparticles into a three-dimensional photothermal evaporation material that absorbs solar energy to drive desalination.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-export-blacklist-20-japanese-companies-added-by-commerce-ministry-1782709254610">China Export Blacklist: 20 Japanese companies added by commerce ministry</a><h3>Small trial site</h3>The tests showed that the material achieved a solar absorption rate of up to 90.2 per cent, while cutting the energy required to evaporate the same volume of seawater by 45.7 per cent. The system successfully converted seawater into fresh water using only natural sunlight, without depending on any external power sources. The process was conducted at a small trial site, in which the fresh water produced was enough to irrigate 5 square metres (nearly 54 square feet) of farmland for a full growth cycle. After two years, the team believe that using this technology, the cost of producing water would reduce below that of bottled water, offering a low-cost and sustainable solution to water shortages, especially in regions with limited access to electricity.

The researchers have designed a specialised method to weave nanoparticles into a three-dimensional photothermal evaporation material that absorbs solar energy to drive desalination.

Scientists in China have developed a new solar-powered desalination technology that can turn seawater into fresh water without electricity. Desalination has always been an energy-hungry process that turns salt water into fresh water, making it largely the preserve of rich nations with abundant fossil fuel reserves. Desalination usually requires a huge amount of energy and is often expensive. However, researchers have created a new material that uses sunlight more efficiently, making the process much cheaper. The researchers have designed a specialised method to weave nanoparticles into a three-dimensional photothermal evaporation material that absorbs solar energy to drive desalination. Also read: China Export Blacklist: 20 Japanese companies added by commerce ministry Small trial site The tests showed that the material achieved a solar absorption rate of up to 90.2 per cent, while cutting the energy required to evaporate the same volume of seawater by 45.7 per cent. The system successfully converted seawater into fresh water using only natural sunlight, without depending on any external power sources. The process was conducted at a small trial site, in which the fresh water produced was enough to irrigate 5 square metres (nearly 54 square feet) of farmland for a full growth cycle. After two years, the team believe that using this technology, the cost of producing water would reduce below that of bottled water, offering a low-cost and sustainable solution to water shortages, especially in regions with limited access to electricity.

The researchers have designed a specialised method to weave nanoparticles into a three-dimensional photothermal evaporation material that absorbs solar energy to drive desalination.

New Chinese technology turns seawater into fresh water without electricity, costs less than bottled water

Six military lawmakers of China, former financial regulator head Li Yunze and ​Politburo member Ma Xingrui were stripped of their posts in the ‌National People's Congress, China's top legislative body, reported state-run Xinhua news agency. The notice from the ​National People's Congress Standing Committee, provided no ​reason for the dismissals.&nbsp;Scores of senior officials and top generals have been investigated, removed and purged under the anti-corruption campaign initiated by President Xi Jinping.&nbsp;According to the notice, the removed military lawmakers include General ​Xu Xueqiang, who has been the head of the Equipment Development ‌Department ⁠of the Central Military Commission, that shoulders the responsibility of overseeing the development, acquisition and testing of equipment for the People's Liberation Army (PLA).&nbsp;Xu has also served as the commander-in-chief of ​China's Manned ⁠Space Programme since 2022.&nbsp;Other military lawmakers to have been removed from their position are, General Li Fengbiao, whoserved as political ​commissar of the PLA Western Theatre Command, &nbsp;⁠General Guo Puxiao, who had been the political commissar of the PLA Air Force, as well as the ⁠Eastern ​Theatre Command's Wang Kangping, Cyberspace Force's ​Zhang Minghua, and the Army's Yin Hongxing.&nbsp;Last month, a Chinese court gave two former defense ministers suspended death sentences for corruption. Wei Fenghe and Li Shangfu were sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve by a military court.&nbsp;This means that the death sentences given to the two defence ministers for bribery will be commuted to life imprisonment after two years, with no chance of sentence reduction or parole.Wei, 72, served as defense minister from 2018 to 2023. Li then took over as the defence minister in 2023 but stayed in the position for only eight months as he suddenly disappeared from public life, sparking speculation of his removal. Later both were placed under investigation by the military’s anti-graft arm.&nbsp;

Scores of senior officials and top generals have been investigated, removed and purged under the anti-corruption campaign initiated by President Xi Jinping.

Six military lawmakers of China, former financial regulator head Li Yunze and Politburo member Ma Xingrui were stripped of their posts in the ‌National People's Congress, China's top legislative body, reported state-run Xinhua news agency. The notice from the National People's Congress Standing Committee, provided no reason for the dismissals. Scores of senior officials and top generals have been investigated, removed and purged under the anti-corruption campaign initiated by President Xi Jinping. According to the notice, the removed military lawmakers include General Xu Xueqiang, who has been the head of the Equipment Development ‌Department ⁠of the Central Military Commission, that shoulders the responsibility of overseeing the development, acquisition and testing of equipment for the People's Liberation Army (PLA). Xu has also served as the commander-in-chief of China's Manned ⁠Space Programme since 2022. Other military lawmakers to have been removed from their position are, General Li Fengbiao, whoserved as political commissar of the PLA Western Theatre Command, ⁠General Guo Puxiao, who had been the political commissar of the PLA Air Force, as well as the ⁠Eastern Theatre Command's Wang Kangping, Cyberspace Force's Zhang Minghua, and the Army's Yin Hongxing. Last month, a Chinese court gave two former defense ministers suspended death sentences for corruption. Wei Fenghe and Li Shangfu were sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve by a military court. This means that the death sentences given to the two defence ministers for bribery will be commuted to life imprisonment after two years, with no chance of sentence reduction or parole. Wei, 72, served as defense minister from 2018 to 2023. Li then took over as the defence minister in 2023 but stayed in the position for only eight months as he suddenly disappeared from public life, sparking speculation of his removal. Later both were placed under investigation by the military’s anti-graft arm.

Scores of senior officials and top generals have been investigated, removed and purged under the anti-corruption campaign initiated by President Xi Jinping.

Six military lawmakers of China stripped off their posts amid Xi Jinping's deepening anti-corruption drive

A Dettol advertisement comparing "toxic men" to germs fell on its face after facing backlash in China, for showing a man seeking a "clean and untouched woman." The company has apologised and withdrawn the advert. The five-minute clip is basically a microdrama and was released on several platforms in May. It starts with a man in a relationship comparing his current partner to his ex. He says he found out that his former girlfriends had lived with another man previously. He starts recalling the times she was forward and open with physical contact. He then breaks up with her, saying it felt like receiving “secondhand service”. He then tells his friend that he wants a “clean and untouched” woman to marry. “I may not be a virgin, but my future wife has to be," the man says.&nbsp;He then bumps into another woman. He says, “Thank goodness I met her. Clean and pure, never contaminated by a man. I've dated over a dozen girls, and I've finally found one who's pure... who hasn't done it before, you know?”<h2>&nbsp;</h2>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Oh, Dettol, you really did this one dirty. Dettol has upset the Chinese internet today over a bizarre ad campaign featuring a man looking for a woman who is &quot;clean&quot; enough to marry. At one point, he says: &quot;It’s okay if I’m not her first, but not when it comes to my future wife.… <a href="https://t.co/DRAs7vpmu6">pic.twitter.com/DRAs7vpmu6</a>&mdash; Manya Koetse (@manyapan) <a href="https://x.com/manyapan/status/2069052432529629254?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Chinese social media users slam Dettol ad</h2>When his girlfriend finds out about his views on women, she starts seeing the misogyny in him. The woman then breaks up with him. The advert ends with the words: "A toxic man is just like these germs – you need Dettol to eliminate them completely to feel at ease." Chinese social media users are furious with the Dettol ad, which the company has now taken down amid calls for a boycott of the brand. "What a trashy advertisement. It's left me speechless," a user wrote on Chinese social media platform Weibo, with another adding, “I will never use Dettol again.”<h2>Dettol responds to criticism of new ad</h2>&nbsp;Responding to the backlash, the company said that the idea behind the ad was to "challenge unequal gender attitudes and promote healthy, confident views on relationships and lifestyles". &nbsp;But the edited videos on social media have muddled up the real message of the advert, it added. The brand said the micro drama was produced by a third party, and it took “responsibility for any negligence in creating and reviewing the content of the advert”. It said: “We are well aware that true protection also lies in safeguarding the dignity of every individual and their right to be treated equally.”&nbsp;

Dettol's new ad in China shows a man seeking a virgin and a “clean” wife. He tells his friend that he might not be a virgin, but his future wife has to be. The ad compares toxic men with germs towards the end. It has been taken down after people criticised the ad. 

A Dettol advertisement comparing "toxic men" to germs fell on its face after facing backlash in China, for showing a man seeking a "clean and untouched woman." The company has apologised and withdrawn the advert. The five-minute clip is basically a microdrama and was released on several platforms in May. It starts with a man in a relationship comparing his current partner to his ex. He says he found out that his former girlfriends had lived with another man previously. He starts recalling the times she was forward and open with physical contact. He then breaks up with her, saying it felt like receiving “secondhand service”. He then tells his friend that he wants a “clean and untouched” woman to marry. “I may not be a virgin, but my future wife has to be," the man says. He then bumps into another woman. He says, “Thank goodness I met her. Clean and pure, never contaminated by a man. I've dated over a dozen girls, and I've finally found one who's pure... who hasn't done it before, you know?”

Dettol's new ad in China shows a man seeking a virgin and a “clean” wife. He tells his friend that he might not be a virgin, but his future wife has to be. The ad compares toxic men with germs towards the end. It has been taken down after people criticised the ad.&nbsp;

Dettol takes down controversial ad about 'toxic men' and gender double standards

Unhygienic cooking habits led to two 10 cm-long living worms getting under the skin of a woman in China. The woman was in immense pain from a big lump on her arm. She said that the lump started appearing a year ago and continued to grow and became as large as a ping-pong ball. &nbsp;Shenzhen TV reported that the woman, surnamed Wang, started experiencing sharp pain and had to ultimately seek medical help. She visited Shenzhen People’s Hospital in Guangdong province, where the doctors removed two worms from her arm. They said they were sparganum, a type of parasite commonly found in the bodies of people with unhealthy lifestyles.<h2>Contamination from killing frogs</h2>&nbsp;Wang said that she cooks frog legs at home and kills them on the same chopping board she also uses for cold dishes. Doctors believe that her kitchen knife and chopping board were likely polluted by sparganum cysts. When she made the cold dishes on the same board, the cysts likely got stuck to the food and entered the bodies of people who ate it. A doctor from the Shenzhen hospital’s dermatological department said, "Sparganums do not mature inside the human body and keep moving around tissues."&nbsp;“They may go into the hypodermis, muscles, eyes, chest, brain and viscera. The most common symptom is lumps under the skin,” the doctor added. He warned that people need to be extremely careful while cooking food, as it can quickly turn into a breeding ground for parasites. Using the same chopping board for raw and cooked dishes is common in China. However, washing it before switching around could prevent such cases.&nbsp;Earlier in April this year, an 8cm-long worm was removed from a woman’s brain in China. She blamed it on a mix of high-risk habits, saying that she once placed a raw frog’s leg inside a tooth cavity to treat a toothache. She also frequently drank untreated mountain spring water and consumed medicinal snake wine.

A woman in China was in immense pain after developing a lump that kept growing. After nearly a year, she visited the hospital where doctors removed 10cm-long living worms from under her skin. They said it was likely because of unhygienic cooking practices.

Unhygienic cooking habits led to two 10 cm-long living worms getting under the skin of a woman in China. The woman was in immense pain from a big lump on her arm. She said that the lump started appearing a year ago and continued to grow and became as large as a ping-pong ball. Shenzhen TV reported that the woman, surnamed Wang, started experiencing sharp pain and had to ultimately seek medical help. She visited Shenzhen People’s Hospital in Guangdong province, where the doctors removed two worms from her arm. They said they were sparganum, a type of parasite commonly found in the bodies of people with unhealthy lifestyles. Contamination from killing frogs Wang said that she cooks frog legs at home and kills them on the same chopping board she also uses for cold dishes. Doctors believe that her kitchen knife and chopping board were likely polluted by sparganum cysts. When she made the cold dishes on the same board, the cysts likely got stuck to the food and entered the bodies of people who ate it. A doctor from the Shenzhen hospital’s dermatological department said, "Sparganums do not mature inside the human body and keep moving around tissues." “They may go into the hypodermis, muscles, eyes, chest, brain and viscera. The most common symptom is lumps under the skin,” the doctor added. He warned that people need to be extremely careful while cooking food, as it can quickly turn into a breeding ground for parasites. Using the same chopping board for raw and cooked dishes is common in China. However, washing it before switching around could prevent such cases. Earlier in April this year, an 8cm-long worm was removed from a woman’s brain in China. She blamed it on a mix of high-risk habits, saying that she once placed a raw frog’s leg inside a tooth cavity to treat a toothache. She also frequently drank untreated mountain spring water and consumed medicinal snake wine.

A woman in China was in immense pain after developing a lump that kept growing. After nearly a year, she visited the hospital where doctors removed 10 cm-long living worms from under her skin. They said it was likely because of unhygienic cooking practices.

Chinese woman killed frogs at home, ended up with 10 cm-long living worms under her skin

China's rare-earth export quantity has increased only 2.2 per cent year-on-year during the first five months of 2026; however, export value increased 44.9 per cent, showing significantly higher prices and broader global demand for the strategic minerals. China has exported 25,378 tonnes of rare-earth ore, metals and compounds during January-May 2026, as compared with nearly 24,832 tonnes in the corresponding period last year, according to data published by the General Administration of Customs of China. However, the export value rose sharply to USD 243.63 million, which marks an increase up to 44.9 per cent over the year-ago period. In May 2026 alone, China exported 5,490.4 tonnes of rare-earth ore, metals and compounds, which stood with a shipments reaching value of USD 63.08 million. Customs data showed that export volumes remained relatively unchanged, but the value of exports rose significantly, highlighting the growing strategic importance of rare earth materials in industries such as electric vehicles, renewable energy, advanced electronics and defence manufacturing.&nbsp;Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-focus-now-on-ukraine-do-whatever-i-can-says-trump-at-g7-summit-1781608500726"> ‘Will focus now on Ukraine, do whatever I can,’ says Trump at G7 Summit</a><h3>Beijing's domination over rare-earth production in the world</h3>China continues to dominate global rare-earth production and processing, supplying critical materials essential for a broad range of high-tech and clean-energy applications. The figures come at a time when governments and industries worldwide are intensifying efforts to secure reliable rare-earth supplies, diversify procurement sources and reduce reliance on highly concentrated supply chains.&nbsp;The significant spike in export value reflects rising global prices and intense demand from the electric vehicle, renewable energy, and defense sectors. China dominates the global supply chain, controlling approximately 70% of mining and over 90% of refining. Beijing has leveraged this dominance through multiple rounds of strict export controls that include dual-use and Military bans, licensing requirements and technology restrictions.

China has exported 25,378 tonnes of rare-earth ore, metals and compounds during January-May 2026, as compared with nearly 24,832 tonnes in the corresponding period last year.

China's rare-earth export quantity has increased only 2.2 per cent year-on-year during the first five months of 2026; however, export value increased 44.9 per cent, showing significantly higher prices and broader global demand for the strategic minerals. China has exported 25,378 tonnes of rare-earth ore, metals and compounds during January-May 2026, as compared with nearly 24,832 tonnes in the corresponding period last year, according to data published by the General Administration of Customs of China. However, the export value rose sharply to USD 243.63 million, which marks an increase up to 44.9 per cent over the year-ago period. In May 2026 alone, China exported 5,490.4 tonnes of rare-earth ore, metals and compounds, which stood with a shipments reaching value of USD 63.08 million. Customs data showed that export volumes remained relatively unchanged, but the value of exports rose significantly, highlighting the growing strategic importance of rare earth materials in industries such as electric vehicles, renewable energy, advanced electronics and defence manufacturing. Also read: ‘Will focus now on Ukraine, do whatever I can,’ says Trump at G7 Summit Beijing's domination over rare-earth production in the world China continues to dominate global rare-earth production and processing, supplying critical materials essential for a broad range of high-tech and clean-energy applications. The figures come at a time when governments and industries worldwide are intensifying efforts to secure reliable rare-earth supplies, diversify procurement sources and reduce reliance on highly concentrated supply chains. The significant spike in export value reflects rising global prices and intense demand from the electric vehicle, renewable energy, and defense sectors. China dominates the global supply chain, controlling approximately 70% of mining and over 90% of refining. Beijing has leveraged this dominance through multiple rounds of strict export controls that include dual-use and Military bans, licensing requirements and technology restrictions.

China has exported 25,378 tonnes of rare-earth ore, metals and compounds during January-May 2026, as compared with nearly 24,832 tonnes in the corresponding period last year.

China's rare-earth export value jumps 45% despite modest growth in volume

China's rapidly expanding nuclear arsenal is reshaping the global strategic landscape. New assessments suggest Beijing is narrowing key capability gaps with the United States and Russia, raising questions about the future of nuclear deterrence and strategic stability. As China modernises its missile forces, expands silo fields, and develops advanced delivery systems, analysts warn that the global nuclear balance may be entering a new era. This report examines China's nuclear ambitions, the shifting balance of power, and what it could mean for international security.

Beijing Closes The Nuclear 'Attack' Gap: Global Nuclear Balance Starts To Shift

Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to North Korea after seven years marks a significant diplomatic moment in East Asia. The trip is expected to focus on regional security, economic cooperation, and strategic coordination between Beijing and Pyongyang. This episode examines the importance of the visit and its implications for regional and global geopolitics.

China's President Xi Jinping Visits North Korea After 7 Years 

The Chinese government have increased their surveillance and imposed restrictions on dissidents and activists across the nation ahead of the 37th anniversary of the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown, according to The Epoch Times. An individual stated that they had been placed under close monitoring, confined to their homes, and warned to hold open discussion on the anniversary.<h3>What is the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown?</h3>The military suppression of the student-led pro-democracy demonstrations in Beijing on June 4, 1989, left thousands dead or injured. Since then, Chinese authorities have continued to regard any public commemoration of the incident as an extremely sensitive political matter.&nbsp;The report said the latest measures follow a familiar pattern, with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) tightening security and political controls each year ahead of the anniversary of June 4. It further noted that the New York-based rights group Human Rights in China released its annual statement from the Tiananmen Mothers, a group representing relatives of those killed during the 1989 crackdown.&nbsp;Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/20-us-military-sites-damaged-in-middle-east-since-start-of-iran-war-report-1780312456764"> 20 US military sites damaged in Middle East since start of Iran war: Report</a> In the statement, the organisation reiterated its longstanding demands for the CCP to reveal the full facts surrounding the events of June 4, provide compensation to victims' families, and ensure accountability for those responsible. In 1989, the Victims of Communism Memorial in Washington, a replica of the Goddess of Democracy statue, was also erected by Tiananmen protesters. The erected memorial commemorates over 100 million people who lost their lives under communist regimes since the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution. Several dissidents accused that state security officials, police officers, and local neighbourhood authorities started to contact them in late May. Multiple reports claimed that they were prohibited from travelling, attending gatherings, or talking to overseas media outlets ahead of the anniversary. They were allowed to speak to the media only on condition that their surnames be published.

Several dissidents were prohibited from travelling, attending gatherings, or talking to overseas media outlets ahead of the anniversary. They were allowed to speak to the media only on condition that their surnames be published.

The Chinese government have increased their surveillance and imposed restrictions on dissidents and activists across the nation ahead of the 37th anniversary of the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown, according to The Epoch Times. An individual stated that they had been placed under close monitoring, confined to their homes, and warned to hold open discussion on the anniversary. What is the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown? The military suppression of the student-led pro-democracy demonstrations in Beijing on June 4, 1989, left thousands dead or injured. Since then, Chinese authorities have continued to regard any public commemoration of the incident as an extremely sensitive political matter. The report said the latest measures follow a familiar pattern, with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) tightening security and political controls each year ahead of the anniversary of June 4. It further noted that the New York-based rights group Human Rights in China released its annual statement from the Tiananmen Mothers, a group representing relatives of those killed during the 1989 crackdown. Also read: 20 US military sites damaged in Middle East since start of Iran war: Report In the statement, the organisation reiterated its longstanding demands for the CCP to reveal the full facts surrounding the events of June 4, provide compensation to victims' families, and ensure accountability for those responsible. In 1989, the Victims of Communism Memorial in Washington, a replica of the Goddess of Democracy statue, was also erected by Tiananmen protesters. The erected memorial commemorates over 100 million people who lost their lives under communist regimes since the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution. Several dissidents accused that state security officials, police officers, and local neighbourhood authorities started to contact them in late May. Multiple reports claimed that they were prohibited from travelling, attending gatherings, or talking to overseas media outlets ahead of the anniversary. They were allowed to speak to the media only on condition that their surnames be published.

Several dissidents were prohibited from travelling, attending gatherings, or talking to overseas media outlets ahead of the anniversary. They were allowed to speak to the media only on condition that their surnames be published.

What happened at Tiananmen Square and why is China tightening controls against activists ahead of anniversary?

&nbsp;The 3-Body Problem series, released in 2024 on Netflix, is based on the books written by Chinese author Liu Cixin. They are extremely popular worldwide and translated into more than 40 languages. Liu became the first Chinese writer to win the prestigious Hugo Award, the biggest prize awarded for the best science fiction or fantasy works. In China, the trilogy spawned a whole world with movies, video games, books, magazines and exhibits.<h2>What is the 3-Body Problem trilogy about?</h2> Humanity faces an alien invasion from a three-sun star system where the residents of one planet are in search of a new home. The three suns create a gravitational chaos which leads to their planet being frequently destroyed because of cosmic shifts and extreme weather. As they embark on the journey to Earth that would take 400 years, the San-Ti/Trisolaris civilisation realises they need to stop humans from advancing their technology to prevent them from fighting them when they reach Earth. So they send highly advanced, dimension-bending subatomic particles to Earth as spies and to sabotage scientific experiments.<h2>3-Body Problem: The Physics behind it</h2> In our solar system, the Sun exerts a gravitational pull on all the planets that revolve around it. All of them remain in stable orbits because of the single force being exerted upon them. However, when three suns are introduced into a system, gravitational chaos occurs. The orbits become unpredictable, and the third object alters the paths of the other two; the erratic movement in turn alters the path of the third. Mathematics has no simple formula to solve this problem, as scientists cannot accurately predict how three bodies will interact far into the future.<h2>How the 3-Body Problem led to a murder</h2>A Netflix deal led to a fallout between Yoozoo Game founder Lin Qi and his associate Xu Yao. Yoozoo held the film adaptation rights for the science-fiction trilogy. Xu helped the billionaire gaming tycoon land the Netflix deal for the adaptation of "The 3-Body Problem" in September 2020. Lin was named an executive producer and appointed Xu to lead the 3-Body Universe in 2018.&nbsp; Xu headed up a subsidiary that was in charge of all business related to all the productions related to the books, according to local news reports. In September 2020, Netflix acquired the rights to produce an adaptation of the popular books, and Xu played an important role in striking the deal. But soon after, he was sidelined, which led to resentment. According to local media reports, Xu bought highly toxic substances online, costing hundreds of thousands of yuan. This included alpha-amanitin, a lethal compound found in some poisonous mushrooms.&nbsp;He disguised them as probiotic pills, put them in coffee capsules, water containers and whiskey bottles, and gave them to Lin and other employees. The 39-year-old fell sick after drinking a cup of poisoned tea, was rushed to the hospital and died a few days later. Many others at the company also fell sick but recovered. Shanghai business magazine Yicai Global and other outlets reported Xu was executed on May 21.&nbsp;

China executed Xu Yao, an associate of Yoozoo Game founder Lin Qi, for murdering his billionaire boss after the two had a tiff over a Netflix deal. The 3-Body Problem is at the centre of the murder saga. The show released in 2024, while the books remain popular worldwide. 

The 3-Body Problem series, released in 2024 on Netflix, is based on the books written by Chinese author Liu Cixin. They are extremely popular worldwide and translated into more than 40 languages. Liu became the first Chinese writer to win the prestigious Hugo Award, the biggest prize awarded for the best science fiction or fantasy works. In China, the trilogy spawned a whole world with movies, video games, books, magazines and exhibits. What is the 3-Body Problem trilogy about? Humanity faces an alien invasion from a three-sun star system where the residents of one planet are in search of a new home. The three suns create a gravitational chaos which leads to their planet being frequently destroyed because of cosmic shifts and extreme weather. As they embark on the journey to Earth that would take 400 years, the San-Ti/Trisolaris civilisation realises they need to stop humans from advancing their technology to prevent them from fighting them when they reach Earth. So they send highly advanced, dimension-bending subatomic particles to Earth as spies and to sabotage scientific experiments. 3-Body Problem: The Physics behind it In our solar system, the Sun exerts a gravitational pull on all the planets that revolve around it. All of them remain in stable orbits because of the single force being exerted upon them. However, when three suns are introduced into a system, gravitational chaos occurs. The orbits become unpredictable, and the third object alters the paths of the other two; the erratic movement in turn alters the path of the third. Mathematics has no simple formula to solve this problem, as scientists cannot accurately predict how three bodies will interact far into the future. How the 3-Body Problem led to a murder A Netflix deal led to a fallout between Yoozoo Game founder Lin Qi and his associate Xu Yao. Yoozoo held the film adaptation rights for the science-fiction trilogy. Xu helped the billionaire gaming tycoon land the Netflix deal for the adaptation of "The 3-Body Problem" in September 2020. Lin was named an executive producer and appointed Xu to lead the 3-Body Universe in 2018. Xu headed up a subsidiary that was in charge of all business related to all the productions related to the books, according to local news reports. In September 2020, Netflix acquired the rights to produce an adaptation of the popular books, and Xu played an important role in striking the deal. But soon after, he was sidelined, which led to resentment. According to local media reports, Xu bought highly toxic substances online, costing hundreds of thousands of yuan. This included alpha-amanitin, a lethal compound found in some poisonous mushrooms. He disguised them as probiotic pills, put them in coffee capsules, water containers and whiskey bottles, and gave them to Lin and other employees. The 39-year-old fell sick after drinking a cup of poisoned tea, was rushed to the hospital and died a few days later. Many others at the company also fell sick but recovered. Shanghai business magazine Yicai Global and other outlets reported Xu was executed on May 21.

China executed Xu Yao, an associate of Yoozoo Game founder Lin Qi, for murdering his billionaire boss after the two had a tiff over a Netflix deal. The 3-Body Problem is at the centre of the murder saga. The show released in 2024, while the books remain popular worldwide.&nbsp;

The 3-Body Problem murder: A Netflix deal, fatal poisoning and the most perplexing physics problem

A report has warned that China's "space habitation and lunar ambitions" can pose a security threat to the United States. It states that the two countries could fight "over control of lunar resources and territory" as Beijing prepares to land humans on the Moon, as does the US, Defense One reported. The paper by the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies paints a bleak outlook for the space race, which is being led by the two countries. According to the author, active-duty US Space Force (USSF) personnel would need to be stationed on the Moon and the space station to defend against China’s alleged military-focused space initiatives. Retired USSF Colonel Kyle Pumroy also slammed the US human spaceflight and Moon programs that he says have suffered because of "inconsistency in vision, policy, and funding", and this has led "China to gain steady ground over time."&nbsp;Pumroy says it is crucial to immediately develop a military human spaceflight program which allows for Guardians in space. China's space agency has taken huge strides in the cosmos, completing the Tiangong Space Station in 2022 and landing rovers on the Moon. Its next step is to send humans to the Moon, a target the US is also working towards. While Donald Trump has asserted that the US would leave China behind, the latter's progress in space missions means that it is not far behind either.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/sun-released-a-record-breaking-radio-burst-for-19-days-nasa-and-esa-probes-reveal-what-happened-1779873159921">Record-breaking solar radio burst lasted 19 days. NASA and ESA probes reveal what happened</a><h2>Report claims “hard power” needed in new space race</h2>However, the 1967 Outer Space Treaty bans military activities in space and states that no country can stake a claim to the Moon. But Pumroy says the US might have to abandon it as China has a "record of ignoring treaty agreements and territorial aggression". He claims the habitat it wants to build on the Moon is aligned with the country's military. “When territorial conquest, the potential for economic gain, and national interests overlap, societies seek to establish favourable norms and standards and do so using various degrees of hard power,” he wrote, adding "hard power will ultimately matter in this new space race."Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/unexplainable-activity-in-w-constellation-cassiopeia-finally-has-an-answer-160-years-later-1779719224496">Unexplainable 'ghost' activity in Cassiopeia finally has an answer 160 years later</a>&nbsp;The Space Force was established in 2019 and the Guardians (its members) manage space launches, maintain GPS, weather and communication satellites, and work on other related things. However, the paper says that a military human spaceflight program with Title 10 authorities should instead be created. This would grant the Department of Defense the authority to organise, train, and deploy military forces globally.

Space would need to be defended as China and the US pursue their ambitions in orbit and on the Moon. The report states that the US should urgently work to prepare a force that can be stationed on the Moon and stop China from asserting authority over the lunar body. 

A report has warned that China's "space habitation and lunar ambitions" can pose a security threat to the United States. It states that the two countries could fight "over control of lunar resources and territory" as Beijing prepares to land humans on the Moon, as does the US, Defense One reported. The paper by the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies paints a bleak outlook for the space race, which is being led by the two countries. According to the author, active-duty US Space Force (USSF) personnel would need to be stationed on the Moon and the space station to defend against China’s alleged military-focused space initiatives. Retired USSF Colonel Kyle Pumroy also slammed the US human spaceflight and Moon programs that he says have suffered because of "inconsistency in vision, policy, and funding", and this has led "China to gain steady ground over time." Pumroy says it is crucial to immediately develop a military human spaceflight program which allows for Guardians in space. China's space agency has taken huge strides in the cosmos, completing the Tiangong Space Station in 2022 and landing rovers on the Moon. Its next step is to send humans to the Moon, a target the US is also working towards. While Donald Trump has asserted that the US would leave China behind, the latter's progress in space missions means that it is not far behind either. Also Read: Record-breaking solar radio burst lasted 19 days. NASA and ESA probes reveal what happened Report claims “hard power” needed in new space race However, the 1967 Outer Space Treaty bans military activities in space and states that no country can stake a claim to the Moon. But Pumroy says the US might have to abandon it as China has a "record of ignoring treaty agreements and territorial aggression". He claims the habitat it wants to build on the Moon is aligned with the country's military. “When territorial conquest, the potential for economic gain, and national interests overlap, societies seek to establish favourable norms and standards and do so using various degrees of hard power,” he wrote, adding "hard power will ultimately matter in this new space race." Also Read: Unexplainable 'ghost' activity in Cassiopeia finally has an answer 160 years later The Space Force was established in 2019 and the Guardians (its members) manage space launches, maintain GPS, weather and communication satellites, and work on other related things. However, the paper says that a military human spaceflight program with Title 10 authorities should instead be created. This would grant the Department of Defense the authority to organise, train, and deploy military forces globally.

Space would need to be defended as China and the US pursue their ambitions in orbit and on the Moon. The report states that the US should urgently work to prepare a force that can be stationed on the Moon and stop China from asserting authority over the lunar body.&nbsp;

Treaty poopers: Think Tank warns US needs actual 'Guardians of the Galaxy' before China claims the Moon

China sent embryo-like structures into space aboard the Tianzhou-10 cargo craft on May 10. They are made from living human stem cells and spent five days at the Tiangong space station in an experiment aimed at understanding how microgravity could affect the early development of human embryos. Also known as blastoids or embryoids, scientists stressed that they are not real embryos but created in a laboratory to mimic key stages of growth. China has previously sent embryos of the aquarium fish zebrafish (Danio rerio) and mice as part of a broader programme of biological research. The embryos are in the stage between the 14th and 21st day after fertilisation, a period which can reveal congenital defects and diseases. However, testing the same on real human embryos on Earth is not possible since guidelines restrict researchers from growing human embryos in a lab past two weeks.&nbsp;In a way, China is breaking a rule and utilising a powerful double loophole, but for a good cause. First, these models aren't legally "human embryos," so they can surpass the critical 14-to-21-day developmental window without violating international bioethics laws. Second, it has taken this research into off-world laboratories that are not governed by terrestrial guidelines.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/unexplainable-activity-in-w-constellation-cassiopeia-finally-has-an-answer-160-years-later-1779719224496">Unexplainable 'ghost' activity in Cassiopeia finally has an answer 160 years later</a><h2>About the experiment</h2> Two types of models of artificial embryos with different phases of embryonic development were made. The first set of samples recreates the critical stage of when an embryo attaches itself to the uterine wall. The other samples placed inside a microfluidic chip were at the stage where a single layer of cells reorganises to form tissues and organs. “This is not a real human embryo and cannot develop into an individual. However, it can serve as a model for studying early human development," Yu Leqian, the project leader, said.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/in-major-breakthrough-3d-printed-artificial-egg-hatched-to-produce-26-chickens-1779196170468">In major breakthrough, 3D-printed artificial egg hatched to produce 26 chickens</a><h2>The 14th and 21st day critical window</h2> Leqian said that the models are between the 14th and 21st day stage after fertilisation. This is when the body’s basic structure begins to form. The positioning of body parts is determined at this time, and organs also begin to form. Any problems at this time can subsequently lead to congenital defects and diseases. Such experiments are already being carried out on Earth with artificial embryos since they are not governed by the 14-day rule. But the latest experiment takes it up a notch and into space, where biological defects that are not presenting themselves in the lab could reveal themselves in microgravity and cosmic radiation.&nbsp;<h2>Aim of the experiment</h2>&nbsp;The main purpose of this first-of-its-kind experiment is to understand whether space has a direct influence on early biological organisation and how they organised themselves into complex structures of the body. Identifying potential risks associated with development in space is another aim of the experiment. The artificial embryos are being monitored by taikonauts with nutrient solutions that are changed daily, helping maintain stable conditions for their growth. The samples will then be frozen in orbit and later brought back to Earth for analysis.&nbsp; &nbsp;

China sent artificial embryos in space aboard the Tianzhou-10 spacecraft, where they will undergo a 5-day experiment at the Tiangong space station. The purpose is to know the effects of space environment on their development, and reveal defects that would not be visible on Earth.

China sent embryo-like structures into space aboard the Tianzhou-10 cargo craft on May 10. They are made from living human stem cells and spent five days at the Tiangong space station in an experiment aimed at understanding how microgravity could affect the early development of human embryos. Also known as blastoids or embryoids, scientists stressed that they are not real embryos but created in a laboratory to mimic key stages of growth. China has previously sent embryos of the aquarium fish zebrafish (Danio rerio) and mice as part of a broader programme of biological research. The embryos are in the stage between the 14th and 21st day after fertilisation, a period which can reveal congenital defects and diseases. However, testing the same on real human embryos on Earth is not possible since guidelines restrict researchers from growing human embryos in a lab past two weeks. In a way, China is breaking a rule and utilising a powerful double loophole, but for a good cause. First, these models aren't legally "human embryos," so they can surpass the critical 14-to-21-day developmental window without violating international bioethics laws. Second, it has taken this research into off-world laboratories that are not governed by terrestrial guidelines. Also Read: Unexplainable 'ghost' activity in Cassiopeia finally has an answer 160 years later About the experiment Two types of models of artificial embryos with different phases of embryonic development were made. The first set of samples recreates the critical stage of when an embryo attaches itself to the uterine wall. The other samples placed inside a microfluidic chip were at the stage where a single layer of cells reorganises to form tissues and organs. “This is not a real human embryo and cannot develop into an individual. However, it can serve as a model for studying early human development," Yu Leqian, the project leader, said. Also Read: In major breakthrough, 3D-printed artificial egg hatched to produce 26 chickens The 14th and 21st day critical window Leqian said that the models are between the 14th and 21st day stage after fertilisation. This is when the body’s basic structure begins to form. The positioning of body parts is determined at this time, and organs also begin to form. Any problems at this time can subsequently lead to congenital defects and diseases. Such experiments are already being carried out on Earth with artificial embryos since they are not governed by the 14-day rule. But the latest experiment takes it up a notch and into space, where biological defects that are not presenting themselves in the lab could reveal themselves in microgravity and cosmic radiation. Aim of the experiment The main purpose of this first-of-its-kind experiment is to understand whether space has a direct influence on early biological organisation and how they organised themselves into complex structures of the body. Identifying potential risks associated with development in space is another aim of the experiment. The artificial embryos are being monitored by taikonauts with nutrient solutions that are changed daily, helping maintain stable conditions for their growth. The samples will then be frozen in orbit and later brought back to Earth for analysis.

China sent artificial embryos in space aboard the Tianzhou-10 spacecraft, where they will undergo a 5-day experiment at the Tiangong space station. The purpose is to know the effects of space environment on their development, and reveal defects that would not be visible on Earth.

Bypassing the 14-day rule: China’s ‘artificial embryos’ exploit a double loophole in orbit

At least eight people have died, and dozens remain trapped underground following a gas explosion at a coal mine in northern China, according to state media reports released on Saturday (May 23). The explosion occurred at 7:29 pm on Friday (May 22) at the Liushenyu Coal Mine in Shanxi Province, state-run Xinhua News Agency reported. A total of 247 miners were working underground when the blast took place. By early Saturday morning, rescue teams had managed to bring 201 workers safely to the surface. Authorities confirmed that eight miners had died, while 38 remained trapped underground as emergency operations continued.&nbsp;Officials said rescue teams were still searching for survivors, adding that the cause of the accident is under further investigation. Earlier reports suggested that carbon monoxide levels at the mine had ‘exceeded limits’ before the explosion. Some of the trapped workers were also reported to be in critical condition. Shanxi Province, one of China’s economically poorer regions, is widely regarded as the country’s coal-mining hub.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/-go-home-to-mom-take-him-to-mommy-says-trump-to-protestor-during-nyc-event-watch-1779481700232">'Go home to mom. Take him to mommy', says Trump to protestor during NYC event | WATCH</a>&nbsp;Although mine safety standards in China have improved over recent decades, fatal accidents continue to occur regularly in the coal industry, where weak enforcement of safety measures remains a longstanding concern. China remains the world’s largest consumer of coal and the biggest emitter of greenhouse gases, despite rapidly expanding renewable energy capacity across the country.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-s-wealth-breakdown-crypto-boom-adds-1-bn-to-trump-s-wealth-1779478282544/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-s-wealth-breakdown-crypto-boom-adds-1-bn-to-trump-s-wealth-1779478282544/embed</a>&nbsp;Some of the workers still trapped inside the Liushenyu Coal Mine are believed to be in critical condition. Rescue operations are continuing at full scale, with more than 200 miners already brought safely to the surface. Authorities said the exact cause of the accident remains under investigation. The incident is likely to intensify concerns over mine safety standards in China, where previous disasters involving toxic gas leaks and underground explosions have claimed the lives of many workers.

Four workers died, and 90 miners were trapped after a carbon monoxide leak at the Liushenyu coal mine in Shanxi Province, China

At least eight people have died, and dozens remain trapped underground following a gas explosion at a coal mine in northern China, according to state media reports released on Saturday (May 23). The explosion occurred at 7:29 pm on Friday (May 22) at the Liushenyu Coal Mine in Shanxi Province, state-run Xinhua News Agency reported. A total of 247 miners were working underground when the blast took place. By early Saturday morning, rescue teams had managed to bring 201 workers safely to the surface. Authorities confirmed that eight miners had died, while 38 remained trapped underground as emergency operations continued. Officials said rescue teams were still searching for survivors, adding that the cause of the accident is under further investigation. Earlier reports suggested that carbon monoxide levels at the mine had ‘exceeded limits’ before the explosion. Some of the trapped workers were also reported to be in critical condition. Shanxi Province, one of China’s economically poorer regions, is widely regarded as the country’s coal-mining hub. Also Read: 'Go home to mom. Take him to mommy', says Trump to protestor during NYC event | WATCH Although mine safety standards in China have improved over recent decades, fatal accidents continue to occur regularly in the coal industry, where weak enforcement of safety measures remains a longstanding concern. China remains the world’s largest consumer of coal and the biggest emitter of greenhouse gases, despite rapidly expanding renewable energy capacity across the country. https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-s-wealth-breakdown-crypto-boom-adds-1-bn-to-trump-s-wealth-1779478282544/embed Some of the workers still trapped inside the Liushenyu Coal Mine are believed to be in critical condition. Rescue operations are continuing at full scale, with more than 200 miners already brought safely to the surface. Authorities said the exact cause of the accident remains under investigation. The incident is likely to intensify concerns over mine safety standards in China, where previous disasters involving toxic gas leaks and underground explosions have claimed the lives of many workers.

Four miners died, and 90 remained trapped underground after a carbon monoxide accident at a coal mine in China’s Shanxi Province

Eight dead, dozens trapped underground after deadly coal mine blast in China

Tesla CEO Elon Musk seems to be impressed with China's manufacturing prowess after he visited Beijing along with US President Donald Trump. Musk's appreciation of China's development is reflected in his social media post of the biggest train station on the top of a mountain covering 475,200 m².&nbsp;In a post on X, Elon Musk shared a video of the Chongqing East Station, which is built near Beijing. The clip shows the aerial view and interior views of the structure, claiming in the voiceover that the station was built in 38 months with the help of more than 14,0000 workers.&nbsp;China's massive $7.8 billion high-speed rail megaproject now stands as the largest railway hub in the world as it spans an immense 1.22 million square metres. The megaproject features a distinct 16,500-tonne steel tube truss roof. Engineers utilised a unique sliding assembly method, choosing to build the entire 16,500-tonne roof on the ground first before hydraulically sliding it 57 metres upward into its final position.&nbsp;Supporting this massive roof are 41-metre tree-shaped "Huangjue" columns. These branching steel structures are modelled after the local Huangjue tree and are specifically designed for earthquake resistance. Once the roof was elevated, workers executed the complex installation of stainless steel cladding at a height of 57 metres directly above the mountain slope.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/-instagram-is-for-girls-elon-musk-sparks-row-with-his-viral-remark-netizens-call-it-sexist-1779006882310">‘Instagram is for girls’: Elon Musk sparks row with his viral remark, netizens call it ‘sexist’</a><h3>A new global transit hub</h3>With its completion, Chongqing East Station takes the title of the largest railway hub in the world. The mega-station is built to anchor a vast high-speed rail network, seamlessly connecting Southwest China to 14 major cities across the country.&nbsp;The project was considered the first major infrastructure project of the new area, created to accommodate non-essential functions of Beijing and strengthen regional integration between Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei. The station is part of the Beijing-Xiong’an intercity railway, with about 91 km to 92.79 km in length, and was designed for a maximum speed of 350 km/h.&nbsp;With the operation, the journey between Beijing and Xiong’an has been reduced to about 50 minutes. The travel between Xiong’an and Beijing Daxing International Airport now takes about 19 minutes.<h3>Musk's Tesla Gigafactory in Shanghai</h3>Interestingly, Elon Musk built his largest factory outside of the United States in China, which officially completed its initial phase of construction and opened in December 2019. The plant broke ground in January 2019, taking just under a year, a record-breaking 168 working days, to go from raw permits to a finished, operational manufacturing facility.The Tesla Gigafactory in Shanghai (often referred to as Gigafactory 3) is a massive $2 billion facility capable of producing around 1 million electric vehicles annually.

The megaproject features a distinct 16,500-tonne steel tube truss roof. Engineers utilised a unique sliding assembly method, choosing to build the entire 16,500-tonne roof on the ground first before hydraulically sliding it 57 metres upward into its final position.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk seems to be impressed with China's manufacturing prowess after he visited Beijing along with US President Donald Trump. Musk's appreciation of China's development is reflected in his social media post of the biggest train station on the top of a mountain covering 475,200 m². In a post on X, Elon Musk shared a video of the Chongqing East Station, which is built near Beijing. The clip shows the aerial view and interior views of the structure, claiming in the voiceover that the station was built in 38 months with the help of more than 14,0000 workers. China's massive $7.8 billion high-speed rail megaproject now stands as the largest railway hub in the world as it spans an immense 1.22 million square metres. The megaproject features a distinct 16,500-tonne steel tube truss roof. Engineers utilised a unique sliding assembly method, choosing to build the entire 16,500-tonne roof on the ground first before hydraulically sliding it 57 metres upward into its final position. Supporting this massive roof are 41-metre tree-shaped "Huangjue" columns. These branching steel structures are modelled after the local Huangjue tree and are specifically designed for earthquake resistance. Once the roof was elevated, workers executed the complex installation of stainless steel cladding at a height of 57 metres directly above the mountain slope. Also read: ‘Instagram is for girls’: Elon Musk sparks row with his viral remark, netizens call it ‘sexist’ A new global transit hub With its completion, Chongqing East Station takes the title of the largest railway hub in the world. The mega-station is built to anchor a vast high-speed rail network, seamlessly connecting Southwest China to 14 major cities across the country. The project was considered the first major infrastructure project of the new area, created to accommodate non-essential functions of Beijing and strengthen regional integration between Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei. The station is part of the Beijing-Xiong’an intercity railway, with about 91 km to 92.79 km in length, and was designed for a maximum speed of 350 km/h. With the operation, the journey between Beijing and Xiong’an has been reduced to about 50 minutes. The travel between Xiong’an and Beijing Daxing International Airport now takes about 19 minutes. Musk's Tesla Gigafactory in Shanghai Interestingly, Elon Musk built his largest factory outside of the United States in China, which officially completed its initial phase of construction and opened in December 2019. The plant broke ground in January 2019, taking just under a year, a record-breaking 168 working days, to go from raw permits to a finished, operational manufacturing facility. The Tesla Gigafactory in Shanghai (often referred to as Gigafactory 3) is a massive $2 billion facility capable of producing around 1 million electric vehicles annually.

The megaproject features a distinct 16,500-tonne steel tube truss roof. Engineers utilised a unique sliding assembly method, choosing to build the entire 16,500-tonne roof on the ground first before hydraulically sliding it 57 metres upward into its final position.

Stunned by China’s engineering marvel? Elon Musk shares post of world’s biggest train station built near Beijing in 2 years

A Chinese robotics company, Unitree Robotics, has started selling a giant pilotable robot with a cost of €500,000, which walks on two legs, and can also break the walls after smashing it. The Chinese company has quickly become one of the world's most prolific robot manufacturers that consistently produce, deploy, and innovate high volumes of robots. The company has now unveiled the GD01, which is being marked as the first production-ready manned transformable mecha in the world.&nbsp;The pilotable robot is nearly 2.8 metres tall, which allows a human pilot to climb up and operate it from an open cockpit in its torso, similar to what we see in science fiction movies. The robot is capable of walking on two legs in a humanoid posture, but can also shift into a four-legged configuration to better navigate challenging terrain.&nbsp;It carries a starting price tag of 3.9 million yuan (around €500,000). However, Unitree Robotics has yet to reveal key technical specifications, including battery life, top speed, payload capacity, and overall operating time.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Unitree Unveils: GD01, A Manned Transformable Mecha, from $650,000 👏 The world&#39;s first production-ready manned mecha. It can transform. It&#39;s a civilian vehicle. It weighs ~500kg with you inside. Please everyone be sure to use the robot in a Friendly and Safe manner. <a href="https://t.co/xa6eNiRDdV">pic.twitter.com/xa6eNiRDdV</a>&mdash; Unitree (@UnitreeRobotics) <a href="https://twitter.com/UnitreeRobotics/status/2054067819634159622?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 12, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/-ai-strategy-update-greg-brockman-takes-charge-of-product-strategy-at-openai-1779004105602"> ‘AI strategy update’: Greg Brockman takes charge of product strategy at OpenAI</a><h3>From robot dogs to pilotable robots</h3>Founded in 2016 in Hangzhou by engineer Wang Xingxing, the company initially focused on quadruped “robot dogs” inspired by research machines such as Boston Dynamics’ Spot robot. Wang is said to have developed his first quadruped robot as part of his university thesis before leaving drone giant DJI to launch his own venture.&nbsp;Nearly a decade later, Unitree Robotics commands around 70 per cent of the global quadruped robot market. In 2025, it delivered over 5,500 humanoid robots, surpassing every other manufacturer worldwide, including Tesla. Its robots also made a high-profile appearance during China’s widely watched Spring Festival Gala. &nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/united-kingdom-cyber-bill-may-introduce-government-controlled-ai-shutdown-powers-know-more-below-1778931220688">United Kingdom cyber bill may introduce government-controlled AI shutdown powers: Know more below</a>

Unitree Robotics has unveiled the GD01, a 2.8-metre pilotable robot dubbed the world’s first production-ready transformable mecha. Priced at €500,000, it can walk on two legs, switch to four-legged mode for rough terrain, and smash through walls.

A Chinese robotics company, Unitree Robotics, has started selling a giant pilotable robot with a cost of €500,000, which walks on two legs, and can also break the walls after smashing it. The Chinese company has quickly become one of the world's most prolific robot manufacturers that consistently produce, deploy, and innovate high volumes of robots. The company has now unveiled the GD01, which is being marked as the first production-ready manned transformable mecha in the world. The pilotable robot is nearly 2.8 metres tall, which allows a human pilot to climb up and operate it from an open cockpit in its torso, similar to what we see in science fiction movies. The robot is capable of walking on two legs in a humanoid posture, but can also shift into a four-legged configuration to better navigate challenging terrain. It carries a starting price tag of 3.9 million yuan (around €500,000). However, Unitree Robotics has yet to reveal key technical specifications, including battery life, top speed, payload capacity, and overall operating time.

Unitree Robotics has unveiled the GD01, a 2.8-metre pilotable robot dubbed the world’s first production-ready transformable mecha. Priced at €500,000, it can walk on two legs, switch to four-legged mode for rough terrain, and smash through walls.

Welcome to the future? China unveils giant 'Mecha Robot' that walks, transforms & smashes walls: WATCH

A woman in China was so angry with the meagre salary that she decided to take revenge at work. She took a five-hour nap and then stole a chocolate from her boss's desk, who was suffering from glucopenia and needed the snack to replenish his sugar levels. A report in SCMP says that the man almost collapsed because the woman ate his chocolate. The incident was reported from central China, while the company has not been named. According to a report by Haichao News, the woman's boss threatened to fire her for her nap, after which she took to the internet and cried while complaining about him. She said he treated her badly, but she did what she did because she was unhappy with her pay package. The company is located in Shangqiu, Henan province, but the nature of the organisation and the woman's job profile have not been disclosed.&nbsp;In a viral social media post, the woman said, "I will not leave. I will make him understand the concept of what you get is what you pay for." Her boss got angry when he learned that she had slept at work for five hours and then had taken his chocolate from his desk. The man needed the snack to maintain his sugar levels, and could have suffered health consequences if he did not have something sweet. “My boss became enraged. He said I meant to kill him. He gave me a warning, threatening to fire me,” the woman said in the video. Her story has generated buzz on Chinese social media, where people are slamming her behaviour, saying that no boss would tolerate such an employee.<h2>Netizens react to the sleeping employee</h2>Responding to critics, the woman said, “For those who criticise me, you do not understand people like me who have such a low salary." One user pointed out that, considering she was required to work for eight hours, if she napped for five hours, she hardly did any work. "The Labour Law stipulates that a worker works eight hours a day. So, deducting five hours for nap, time for lunch and going to the toilet, you have less than two hours for sitting in front of your desk to work," the person said.

The Chinese woman defended her nap time at the office, saying her salary is so low that she wanted to show her boss that you get what you pay for. So she slept for five hours at work, ate his chocolate and justified her actions online.

A woman in China was so angry with the meagre salary that she decided to take revenge at work. She took a five-hour nap and then stole a chocolate from her boss's desk, who was suffering from glucopenia and needed the snack to replenish his sugar levels. A report in SCMP says that the man almost collapsed because the woman ate his chocolate. The incident was reported from central China, while the company has not been named. According to a report by Haichao News, the woman's boss threatened to fire her for her nap, after which she took to the internet and cried while complaining about him. She said he treated her badly, but she did what she did because she was unhappy with her pay package. The company is located in Shangqiu, Henan province, but the nature of the organisation and the woman's job profile have not been disclosed. In a viral social media post, the woman said, "I will not leave. I will make him understand the concept of what you get is what you pay for." Her boss got angry when he learned that she had slept at work for five hours and then had taken his chocolate from his desk. The man needed the snack to maintain his sugar levels, and could have suffered health consequences if he did not have something sweet. “My boss became enraged. He said I meant to kill him. He gave me a warning, threatening to fire me,” the woman said in the video. Her story has generated buzz on Chinese social media, where people are slamming her behaviour, saying that no boss would tolerate such an employee. Netizens react to the sleeping employee Responding to critics, the woman said, “For those who criticise me, you do not understand people like me who have such a low salary." One user pointed out that, considering she was required to work for eight hours, if she napped for five hours, she hardly did any work. "The Labour Law stipulates that a worker works eight hours a day. So, deducting five hours for nap, time for lunch and going to the toilet, you have less than two hours for sitting in front of your desk to work," the person said.

The Chinese woman defended her nap time at the office, saying her salary is so low that she wanted to show her boss that you get what you pay for. So she slept for five hours at work, ate his chocolate and justified her actions online.

Unhappy with her salary, woman naps for 5 hours at work and eats boss' chocolate

China shocked the world when news floated that its Three Gorges Dam was slowing down Earth's rotation. However, Beijing has now started construction on a hydropower project that could become the world’s largest hydropower. It is being built on the Yarlung Tsangpo River in Tibet, Chinese state media confirmed, adding that this humongous project will surpass the capacity of the Three Gorges Dam. It is estimated to cost nearly 1.2 trillion yuan and could generate roughly 300 billion kilowatt hours of electricity each year, the highest-output hydropower facility in the world. The BBC reports that the site is located along a steep section of the river just before it enters India and transitions into the Brahmaputra. The project indicates that China wants to increase reliance on renewable energy; however, since the Yarlung Tsangpo is part of a transboundary river system, it has become a centre of attention for neighbouring countries.<h2>How will the new China dam work?</h2> According to the Daily Galaxy, a cascading series of power stations situated along a sharp river bend with a significant vertical drop is the highlight of the project. By taking advantage of this natural gradient, engineers can generate massive amounts of electricity without the need for a massive, single-wall dam on the scale of the Three Gorges. Construction will happen in three stages, although the timeline hasn't been revealed yet.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/chinas-gigantic-hydroelectric-dam-has-been-changing-spin-of-earth-heres-how-761164">China's gigantic hydroelectric dam has been changing spin of Earth. Here's how</a>&nbsp;The geography of the Yarlung Tsangpo River makes it a tricky project. The river makes a steep turn around the Himalayas before entering India and Bangladesh as the Brahmaputra. India has flagged in the past that upstream water management decisions could affect downstream flow. However, China has said that the goal of the project is to generate electricity and not large-scale water diversion, adding that downstream flow won't be affected.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-rejects-china-s-attempt-to-give-fictitious-names-to-places-in-arunachal-pradesh-1776062589506">India rejects China’s attempt to give 'fictitious names' to places in Arunachal Pradesh</a><h2>China dam project is located in a geologically sensitive area</h2>There are also environmental and safety concerns with the Yarlung Tsangpo dam project. The Tibetan Plateau is located near major fault lines, making the terrain tricky and unsafe. Besides, environmental groups have raised concerns that large dams can disrupt sediment transport, change ecosystems, and affect biodiversity, Indian Defence Review reported. The International Campaign for Tibet has said that such expansion projects have displaced communities in the past and come with little transparency. China is the world’s largest producer of hydropower. With the latest project, it will top the global rankings for electricity output from a single hydropower installation.

China is building a dam that will be bigger than the Three Gorges Dam. Located on the Yarlung Tsangpo River in Tibet, it will generate 300 billion kilowatt hours of electricity each year. It could become a major flashpoint between India and China.

China shocked the world when news floated that its Three Gorges Dam was slowing down Earth's rotation. However, Beijing has now started construction on a hydropower project that could become the world’s largest hydropower. It is being built on the Yarlung Tsangpo River in Tibet, Chinese state media confirmed, adding that this humongous project will surpass the capacity of the Three Gorges Dam. It is estimated to cost nearly 1.2 trillion yuan and could generate roughly 300 billion kilowatt hours of electricity each year, the highest-output hydropower facility in the world. The BBC reports that the site is located along a steep section of the river just before it enters India and transitions into the Brahmaputra. The project indicates that China wants to increase reliance on renewable energy; however, since the Yarlung Tsangpo is part of a transboundary river system, it has become a centre of attention for neighbouring countries. How will the new China dam work? According to the Daily Galaxy, a cascading series of power stations situated along a sharp river bend with a significant vertical drop is the highlight of the project. By taking advantage of this natural gradient, engineers can generate massive amounts of electricity without the need for a massive, single-wall dam on the scale of the Three Gorges. Construction will happen in three stages, although the timeline hasn't been revealed yet. Also Read: China's gigantic hydroelectric dam has been changing spin of Earth. Here's how The geography of the Yarlung Tsangpo River makes it a tricky project. The river makes a steep turn around the Himalayas before entering India and Bangladesh as the Brahmaputra. India has flagged in the past that upstream water management decisions could affect downstream flow. However, China has said that the goal of the project is to generate electricity and not large-scale water diversion, adding that downstream flow won't be affected. Also Read: India rejects China’s attempt to give 'fictitious names' to places in Arunachal Pradesh China dam project is located in a geologically sensitive area There are also environmental and safety concerns with the Yarlung Tsangpo dam project. The Tibetan Plateau is located near major fault lines, making the terrain tricky and unsafe. Besides, environmental groups have raised concerns that large dams can disrupt sediment transport, change ecosystems, and affect biodiversity, Indian Defence Review reported. The International Campaign for Tibet has said that such expansion projects have displaced communities in the past and come with little transparency. China is the world’s largest producer of hydropower. With the latest project, it will top the global rankings for electricity output from a single hydropower installation.

China is building a dam that will be bigger than the Three Gorges Dam. Located on the Yarlung Tsangpo River in Tibet, it will generate 300 billion kilowatt hours of electricity each year. It could become a major flashpoint between India and China.

China is building an even bigger dam than the one that slowed Earth's rotation

US–Iran tensions rise as Donald Trump warns China over alleged arms supply to Iran during ceasefire. US intelligence flags covert shipments, while Beijing signals peace efforts amid complex diplomacy and upcoming high-level talks.

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US–Iran tensions rise as Donald Trump warns China over alleged arms supply to Iran during ceasefire. US intelligence flags covert shipments, while Beijing signals peace efforts amid complex diplomacy and upcoming high-level talks.

Trump issues two-word response to report of China shipping weapons to Iran: What he said

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